Ruth Woodrow - Photographer, Birder, Soul Mate
Q: How did you get into photography, and what does it mean to you?
A: I’ve always loved taking photos, though for years I only had really basic cameras. When I met you, you introduced me to darkroom photography, and we even turned our bathroom into a darkroom. That was a lot of fun. Later I got a Canon, and I really haven’t looked back. But the real turning point was in 2020, when you gave me my Leica Q2. That was when I truly discovered how much I love photography.
Before that it was mostly animal and travel photography, but during lockdown, limited to a fixed lens and only able to move within five kilometres, I had to get really creative. I found out how enjoyable that could be. Photography became my outlet—something that helps me switch off from work and worries.
Q: What kind of photography have you been doing recently?
A: During lockdown, I discovered collage. At first, it was simply a way to use all the photos I took during my walks—my feet, the ground, people’s doors and decorations. But it grew into something bigger. I put them together into collages, and that became an exhibition, Melbourne Collaged, at the Drive Café.
Q: What appeals to you about collages?
A: For me, it’s all about the colour. I didn’t know what to do with thousands of photos of my feet until, with your help, I thought about arranging them by colour. I started with the rainbow spectrum—reds through to violet—and sorted them accordingly.
But it’s not just about lining colours up. It’s about balance. Sometimes a photo might not look like it belongs in a certain spot, but in the bigger picture, it has to be there. I can spend hours adjusting until the whole thing feels right.
Q: Do your collages tell a story, as well as showcase colour?
A: Yes. For example, the feet collage starts bright and colourful—reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues. But then the colours fade into greys. That represents the start of lockdown, which felt new and different and even exciting at first. But as time dragged on, it became endless and monotonous. The greys symbolise that “new normal.”
Q: You also joined a photography club. What did that mean to you?
A: At first it was great. I learned about competitions, different genres, creativity, and I met like-minded people. But eventually things soured. When I became chair of the competition committee, I tried to stick to the rules. Unfortunately, three board members bullied me out of the club because they didn’t want to follow them.
It was a very negative experience, and honestly, it still affects me. It really knocked my confidence and makes me question everything I do. I’m not always sure who my friends are anymore.
Q: Let’s talk about birdwatching. Where did that interest begin?
A: I’ve always loved birds—I had a budgie as a kid. Later, when I studied conservation ecology, birdwatching became more serious, partly through assignments. When I met you, it was wonderful to combine my love of birdwatching with your photography.
Q: What do you enjoy most about birdwatching?
A: Birds just make me happy. And birdwatching has taken me around the world. Our last overseas trip, to Cuba, to see the bee hummingbird—that was a highlight of my life. I also feel lucky that I get to work in a park full of birds.
Q: Moving from corporate legal work to being a ranger was a big shift. How has that been?
A: Honestly, it was the best thing I’ve ever done. In corporate law, I felt trapped—stuck in an office, staring at files and a computer, missing out on life. Now, I get to work outdoors, in all weather, and it feels like freedom. No matter what’s going on, I can step outside, and a bird will lift my spirits.
Q: Looking back, what did you imagine your life would be like when you were at school?
A: I thought I might become a vet, but mostly I imagined the traditional life—marriage, kids, a house with a white picket fence and a dog. None of that happened.
Q: Do you regret that, or are you happy with how life has turned out?
A: Sometimes it feels depressing to reflect on. But in terms of career, I’m definitely happier being a ranger than I would have been stuck indoors.
Q: Has your family been supportive throughout your journey?
A: Yes, Mum and Dad were always proud of me. And honestly, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now without you—your encouragement and pushing me has meant everything.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’d like to pursue photography more, especially creatively. My inspiration often comes from being outdoors. During lockdown, I’d set little projects—photographing abandoned mattresses one week, letterboxes the next. That habit of focusing on one subject, seeing how many variations I could find, naturally led into collage.
Now that we’ve moved to Geelong, there’s so much new to explore. I want to see what comes from that—whether it’s reportage, portraits, nature photography, or street photography. Street photography especially gives me a creative spark.